The best psychedelics books recommended on podcasts

#1 · Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties

The endorsement here comes from Joe Rogan, on Joe Rogan Experience #2495 - Tim Burchett in 2026. That episode features Tim Burchett, Republican U.S. Congressman from East Tennessee and former Knox County mayor, known as one of Congress's most outspoken advocates for UFO/UAP disclosure. Son of a WWII Marine, he also makes handmade skateboards. In total it earned 26 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“There's a fantastic book called Chaos by Tom O'Neill. It's all about the Manson family. Have you ever read it? It's phenomenal. And it's mind-blowing.” — Joe Rogan 01:16:46

#2 · The War of Art

Recommended by Joe Rogan on Joe Rogan Experience #2496 - Julia Mossbridge. That episode features Julia Mossbridge, Cognitive neuroscientist and AI/computer scientist (PhD Northwestern) who studies precognition, presentiment, and telepathy. Founder of nonprofit Applied Love Labs and author of 'Have a Nice Disclosure.'. In total it earned 17 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“Pressfield wrote a great book about it called The War of Art... I have a stack of them and I give them to comedians. Just read this” — Joe Rogan 02:17:25

#3 · Empire of the Summer Moon

Joe Rogan brought this up on Joe Rogan Experience #2458 - Matt McCusker (2026-02-20). That episode features Matt McCusker, Philadelphia-raised stand-up comedian and co-host of the Stavvy's World / Matt and Shane's Secret Podcast scene. Known for absurdist storytelling and a background in social work. It has been genuinely recommended 17 times on the show.

“There's a great book about Texas called um Empire of the Summer Moon. About the settlers encountering the Comanche.” — Joe Rogan 00:37:09

What it is: Describes the actions of both whites and Comanches during a 40-year war over territory, in a story that begins with the kidnapping of a white girl, who grew up to marry a Comanche chief and have a son, Quanah, who became a great warrior.

#4 · Man's Search for Meaning

The endorsement here comes from Pierre Poilievre, on Joe Rogan Experience #2470 - Pierre Poilievre in 2026. Pierre is Leader of Canada's Conservative Party and Leader of the Official Opposition, a self-described free-market 'prime minister in waiting' who has campaigned since 2022 on making Canada the freest country on earth. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“my favorite psychologist is u Victor Frankle Victor Frankl and he developed this um logos treatment which was basically giving people a sense of meaning” — Pierre Poilievre 00:15:39

#5 · Meditations

Recommended by Ivanka Trump on Ivanka Trump: Most People Can’t Tell Signal From Noise. Ivanka is Businesswoman, former real estate and fashion executive, and ex-White House senior advisor. Daughter of Donald Trump, she built a fashion line doing close to $800M in annual sales before shutting it down to serve in government. In total it earned 16 separate on-air endorsements across 5 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“I think like Marcus Aurelius's meditations is so informative on so many levels.” — Ivanka Trump 00:26:38

What it is: Meditations is a collection of personal reflections and notes by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161 to 180 AD), offering a profound look into the philosophy of Stoicism. It was never intended for publication, making it a raw and intimate self-help manual for the emperor during his campaigns and rule. The central theme revolves around living a good, rational, and virtuous life in harmony with nature and the cosmos. Aurelius continually reminds himself that everything in the universe is constantly changing and fleeting, urging the reader to accept the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.

#6 · The Immortality Key

Joe Rogan brought this up on Joe Rogan Experience #2379 - Matthew McConaughey (2025-09-16). That episode features Matthew McConaughey, Oscar-winning actor (Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, True Detective) and bestselling author of Greenlights. Here promoting his new book Poems and Prayers and the film The Lost Bus. In total it earned 15 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“there's a fantastic book on it called the immortality key that a guy has been a guest on my podcast a bunch of times Brian Mur rescue wrote” — Joe Rogan 01:36:42

#7 · Dopamine Nation

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on How to Overcome Addiction to Substances or Behaviors | Dr. Keith Humphreys in 2026. That episode features Dr. Keith Humphreys, Professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine and one of the world's foremost experts on addictive substances and behaviors. He has advised addiction policy under both Republican and Democratic administrations and worked a decade as a hospice counselor. In total it earned 14 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan).

“giving them Anna's book, Dopamine Nation, and obviously really hard work on their part is really what did it.” — Andrew Huberman 02:59:09

What it is: "Resettling Your Brain in the Age of Cheap Pleasures"-- We are living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli: drugs, food, news, gambling, shopping, gaming, texting, sexting. The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation. Lembke explores new scientific discoveries that explain why the relentless pursuit of pleasure leads to pain-- and what to do about it. She illustrates how finding contentment and connectedness means keeping dopamine in check. The secret to finding balance is combining the science of desire with the wisdom of recovery.

#8 · Coyote America

Recommended by Joe Rogan on Joe Rogan Experience #2507 - Harland Williams. That episode features Harland Williams, Canadian comedian, actor, and writer (News Radio, Down Periscope, Half Baked) who has had a career resurgence via Kill Tony. He recently wrote, directed, and starred in the movie Wingman. In total it earned 14 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“Coyote America, that book by Dan Flores, the same guy who wrote Bison Ecology... he wrote this amazing book about coyotes” — Joe Rogan 02:59:34

#9 · Awareness

Kevin Rose brought this up on The Future of AI, Bioelectric Medicine, Surviving Modern Dating, and More — The (2025-12-04). Kevin is Tech investor, founder (Digg, Revision3, Dignation), and Tim Ferriss's longtime co-host on The Random Show; involved with the Way meditation app and an active early-stage AI investor. It has been genuinely recommended 14 times on the show.

“there was a great book, you know, the book Awareness, which you've recommended to me. It's one of my favorites. I have one of my many copies downstairs” — Kevin Rose 00:02:05

What it is: De Mello will takes you on a journey with his transcripts of lectures and enlightenment. This is not for the feint of heart. Dedicate time and let go ! This single book will change your life only for the better beyond what you may imagine!! Non denominational, although De Mello was a Jesuit Preist. The catholic church did not agree with the philosophies and had all literature removed! A POWERFUL READ !!! AWARENESS in every sense of the word transcends the norm of societal values to the pure and raw natural beings we truly are. Please see " THE WAY TO LOVE" also by Anthony de Mello!

#10 · Why We Sleep

The endorsement here comes from Andrew Huberman, on How to Heal From Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | Dr. Victor Carrión in 2024. That episode features Dr. Victor Carrion, Professor and vice chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford and director of the Stanford Early Life Stress and Resilience Program. A leading expert on childhood PTSD and the developer of Cue-Centered Therapy. In total it earned 13 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“I really have to tip my hat to Dr Matthew Walker from UC Berkeley for writing the book why we sleep ... he deserves such a token of praise” — Andrew Huberman 00:51:52

What it is: "The first sleep book by a leading scientific expert--Professor Matthew Walker, Director of UC Berkeley's Sleep and Neuroimaging Lab--reveals his groundbreaking exploration of sleep, explaining how we can harness its transformative power to change our lives for the better. Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Until very recently, science had no answer to the question of why we sleep, or what good it served, or why we suffer such devastating health consequences when we don't sleep.

#11 · The Real Anthony Fauci

Recommended by Joe Rogan on Joe Rogan Experience #2472 - Jeff Ross. That episode features Jeff Ross, Stand-up comedian known as the 'Roastmaster General,' famous for Comedy Central and Netflix roasts. Releasing his Netflix special 'Take a Banana for the Ride' the night of this taping. In total it earned 12 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman).

“if you read RFK Jr.'s book, The Real Anthony Fouchy, it'll open your mind. It'll open your eyes.” — Joe Rogan 01:54:34

#12 · Radical Acceptance

Tim Ferriss brought this up on Tony Robbins and Jerry Colonna — The Tim Ferriss Show (2024-05-31). That episode features Tony Robbins and Jerry Colonna, Tony Robbins is a peak-performance coach and bestselling author of Money: Master the Game, Life Force, and Awaken the Giant Within. Jerry Colonna is co-founder and CEO of executive-coaching firm Reboot, a former VC (Flatiron Partners, JP Morgan), and author of Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up. It has been genuinely recommended 12 times on the show.

“a book that helped me a lot with this... was Radical acceptance by Tara Brock... the book is so good” — Tim Ferriss 01:37:33

#13 · Of Wolves and Men

The endorsement here comes from Tim Ferriss, on Q&A with Tim — The Upcoming AI Tsunami and Building Offline Advantage in 2026. Tim is Author, podcaster, and early-stage investor; solo Q&A host answering pre-submitted and live audience questions about AI, careers, creativity, and life. It has been genuinely recommended 10 times on the show.

“Of Wolves and Men is one of the best nonfiction books I've ever read and it really shattered the mold” — Tim Ferriss 00:36:54

#14 · Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Recommended by Norman Ohler on Norman Ohler: Hitler, Nazis, Drugs, WW2, Blitzkrieg, LSD, MKUltra & CIA | Lex Fr. Norman is German novelist and non-fiction author of Blitzed, Tripped, and The Bohemians. He researches the role of drugs in history using primary archival sources and is working on a new book, Stoned Sapiens, about human civilization through the lens of drugs. In total it earned 9 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“Like Sapiens by Harari, which is a great book, he also misses that.” — Norman Ohler 03:04:44

What it is: From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a 1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one—homo sapiens. What happened to the others? And what may happen to us? Most books about the history of humanity pursue either a historical or a biological approach, but Dr.

#15 · The Coddling of the American Mind

Joe Rogan brought this up on Joe Rogan Experience #2450 - Tommy Wood (2026-02-06). That episode features Tommy Wood, Physician and neuroscientist who studies brain development, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline. He is head of scientist for motorsport at Hintsa Performance, working with Formula 1 drivers, and author of the book The Stimulated Mind. In total it earned 8 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“Jonathan Haidt wrote a great book about it called The Coddling of the American Mind about the impact of social media and particularly on young girls.” — Joe Rogan 01:53:08

What it is: "Something is going wrong on many college campuses in the last few years. Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are rising. Speakers are shouted down. Students and professors say they are walking on eggshells and afraid to speak honestly. How did this happen? First Amendment expert Greg Lukianoff and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt show how the new problems on campus have their origins in three terrible ideas that have become increasingly woven into American childhood and education: what doesn't kill you makes you weaker; always trust your feelings; and life is a battle between good people and evil people.

#16 · Little, Big

The endorsement here comes from Tim Ferriss, on The Real Japan — Craig Mod in 2025. That episode features Craig Mod, Writer, photographer, and book designer based in Japan; runs the Special Projects membership and craigmod.com, and authored the Random House book Things Become Other Things about a 600km COVID-era walk on Japan's Kii Peninsula. It has been genuinely recommended 8 times on the show.

“John Crowley, also a poet, Little Big is the name of the book. It checks the boxes that you're talking about.” — Tim Ferriss 01:26:19

#17 · Outlive

Recommended by Terry Real on The Therapist Who Breaks All The Rules — Terry Real. Terry is Family therapist, creator of Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and author of 'I Don't Want to Talk About It,' 'Fierce Intimacy,' and 'Us'; specializes in couples on the brink and male depression. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 4 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“First of all, for those who haven't, please read Peter's book, Outlive. It's great. And the last chapter is about his work with me.” — Terry Real 00:41:55

#18 · How to Change Your Mind

Tim Ferriss brought this up on Q&A with Tim — The Upcoming AI Tsunami and Building Offline Advantage (2026-03-26). Tim is Author, podcaster, and early-stage investor; solo Q&A host answering pre-submitted and live audience questions about AI, careers, creativity, and life. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Joe Rogan, Tim Ferriss).

“people who have been doing this since before Michael Pollan's exceptional book, How to Change Your Mind” — Tim Ferriss 00:48:18

What it is: When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third.

#19 · Fooled by Randomness

The endorsement here comes from Nick Kokonas, on Naval Ravikant and Nick Kokonas — The Tim Ferriss Show in 2024. That episode features Naval Ravikant and Nick Kokonas, Two featured guests in this anniversary compilation. Naval Ravikant: co-founder of AngelList and Airchat, angel investor, host of the Naval podcast. Nick Kokonas: former derivatives/options trader, co-owner and co-founder of the Alinea Group of restaurants (including three-Michelin-star Alinea) and founder of the Tock booking software. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“his book Fooled by Randomness is awesome ... Fooled by Randomness is I think the better of all of his books” — Nick Kokonas 01:09:46

What it is: "[Taleb is] Wall Street's principal dissident. . . . [Fooled By Randomness] is to conventional Wall Street wisdom approximately what Martin Luther's ninety-nine theses were to the Catholic Church."--Malcolm Gladwell, The New Yorker Finally in paperback, the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about the markets and the world. This book is about luck: more precisely how we perceive luck in our personal and professional experiences.

#20 · Don't Shoot the Dog

Recommended by Tim Ferriss on Q&A with Tim — The Upcoming AI Tsunami and Building Offline Advantage. Tim is Author, podcaster, and early-stage investor; solo Q&A host answering pre-submitted and live audience questions about AI, careers, creativity, and life. It has been genuinely recommended 7 times on the show.

“the books that I have found most helpful are Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor. I think everybody should read that” — Tim Ferriss 00:50:57

What it is: Explains the underlying principles of behavioral training and how powerful positive reinforcement can be, whether working with pets or trying to improve humans.

#21 · Hell's Angels

Ben Affleck brought this up on Joe Rogan Experience #2440 - Matt Damon & Ben Affleck (2026-01-16). That episode features Matt Damon & Ben Affleck, Oscar-winning actors, longtime friends and creative partners since Good Will Hunting, and co-founders of the production company Artists Equity. They were promoting their Netflix film The RIP, directed by Joe Carnahan. It has been genuinely recommended 7 times on the show.

“I mean those books Hell's Angels and and you know, Fear and Loathing is some of the best writing.” — Ben Affleck 00:02:03

What it is: This is an in depth examination of the notorious motorcycle club and its members. Thompson was allowed extraordinary access to the lives of various members of the Californian Chapter of the Hell's Angels for almost a year during which time he conducted countless interviews and observed their customs and behaviour from a unique vantage point.

#22 · Siddhartha

The endorsement here comes from Lex Fridman, on Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India - Power, Democracy, War & Peace | Lex Fri in 2025. That episode features Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, leader of the world's largest democracy of 1.4 billion people, who rose from extreme childhood poverty in Gujarat to win three terms as PM. A former RSS volunteer and spiritual seeker who spent years wandering the Himalayas before entering public life. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“allow me to also comment about one of the books that first drew me toward India and to its deep history of philosophical and spiritual traditions. The book is "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse.” — Lex Fridman 03:09:52

What it is: Hermann Hesse wrote Siddhartha after he traveled to India in the 1910s. It tells the story of a young boy who travels the country in a quest for spiritual enlightenment in the time of Guatama Buddha. It is a compact, lyrical work, which reads like an allegory about the finding of wisdom.

#23 · The Brothers Karamazov

Recommended by Lex Fridman on Norman Ohler: Hitler, Nazis, Drugs, WW2, Blitzkrieg, LSD, MKUltra & CIA | Lex Fr. That episode features Norman Ohler, German novelist and non-fiction author of Blitzed, Tripped, and The Bohemians. He researches the role of drugs in history using primary archival sources and is working on a new book, Stoned Sapiens, about human civilization through the lens of drugs. In total it earned 7 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“Which one's your favorite? - Brothers Karamazov. Well, I read in both Russian and English.” — Lex Fridman 04:11:31

#24 · Deep Work

Lex Fridman brought this up on Charan Ranganath: Human Memory, Imagination, Deja Vu, and False Memories | Lex F (2024-05-25). That episode features Charan Ranganath, A psychologist and neuroscientist at UC Davis specializing in human memory, where he runs a lab using fMRI and other methods to study how the brain encodes and retrieves events. He is the author of 'Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory's Power to Hold On to What Matters.'. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 3 different shows (Andrew Huberman, Lex Fridman, Tim Ferriss).

“I'm very much with kort on this he wrote deep work and a lot of other amazing books he talks about task switching as a sort of the thing that really destroys productivity” — Lex Fridman 02:52:58

What it is: One of the most valuable skills in our economy is becoming increasingly rare. If you master this skill, you'll achieve extraordinary results. Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It's a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time. Deep work will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfillment that comes from craftsmanship. In short, deep work is like a super power in our increasingly competitive twenty-first century economy.

#25 · Essentialism

The endorsement here comes from Charlie Houpert, on Building “Charisma on Command” to 10M+ Subscribers — Charlie Houpert in 2025. Charlie is Founder of Charisma on Command, a YouTube channel and online education business (Charisma University) teaching social confidence and communication; former management consultant turned solo entrepreneur. In total it earned 6 separate on-air endorsements across 2 different shows (Diary of a CEO, Tim Ferriss).

“I'd read Essentialism, and it was like, just do the thing. Great book. Amazing. Greg Mchuan, so good. Read it. Read it four times.” — Charlie Houpert 00:49:44

What it is: Essentialism isn't about getting more done in less time. It's about getting only the right things done. Have you ever found yourself stretched too thin? Do you simultaneously feel overworked and underutilized? Are you often busy but not productive? Do you feel like your time is constantly being hijacked by other people's agendas? If you answered yes to any of these, the way out is the Way of the Essentialist. Essentialism is more than a time-management strategy or a productivity technique.